DE19927105A1 - Method and devices for applying foils to wall sections of a vehicle body - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a method and to a device for applying films (14) onto wall sections of a shell (1) in an assembly line production. According to the inventive method, films (14) are supplied to the assembly line (5) on pallets (19) and the films (14) are picked up from the pallets (19) and are placed on the wall sections where they self-adhere. Once the films (14) have been temporarily deposited, the body (1) is passed through a furnace in which the actual application of the films (14) is brought about by the action of heat by melting them onto the respective base. The aim of the invention is to prevent dust and lint from being formed during said process. To this end, the invention provides an apparatus (2) with a multi-joint arm (8) and a pick-up frame (11) that is movably mounted thereon. Said apparatus is used to pick up the films (14) from their pallets (19) and for depositing the films (14) on the wall sections of the body (1). One or more films (14) are picked up from outside the body (1) by means of the pick-up frame (11). The film(s) is/are transported together with the pick-up frame (11) through an opening of the body (1) to the site of deposition by means of the arm (8) and is/are deposited there.

Description

The invention relates to a method for applying foils to wall sections Vehicle body in the course of an assembly line production of the vehicle. Also relates the invention relates to devices suitable for carrying out these processes.

In vehicle construction it is known to achieve acoustic measures and also to Use foils for stiffening purposes. The acoustic measures include (Body) sound insulation, damping, isolation, absorption, reflection, etc. For larger ones Sheet metal wall sections applied have not only acoustic, for example deadening, but also stabilizing or stiffening effects.

The term "film" has become independent of its purpose in the technical jargon concerned here enforced. These are layer sections which, depending on the effect to be achieved different structures (single-layer or multi-layer systems made of different Materials, often bitumen). The general term "film" is used in maintain the following.

Films of this type are used in many areas of a vehicle. This includes inner surface sections of

• - doors (two or four),
• - side walls (for example with two doors),
• - wheel arches, in particular the wheel arches adjoining the passenger compartment,
• - floor panels (for example two at the front and / or at the rear), also in the trunk,
• - sheet metal walls between engine compartment and passenger compartment,
• - roof inside (overhead),
• - engine compartment.

There is also often a need to apply foils to outer wall sections, e.g. B. on the Floor panels or sheet metal walls delimiting the engine compartment.

Even the inside of hoods (engine, trunk) are usually covered with foils coated. Hoods of this type are usually independent of the vehicle body manufactured. The invention also applies to the placement of foils on inner sections of Vehicle parts of this or similar type in the course of assembly lines set up separately for this purpose applicable.

The application of foils to interior or exterior wall sections of vehicles can be hampered by other structures. This applies, for example, to doors that usually are built with two shells for reasons of stability. The one facing the passenger compartment Side wall of a door box is equipped with openings through which the inside surface of the door can be opened outer side wall to be applied films must be passed through. This Process is the more difficult, the smaller the openings in the inner side wall of the Door box or the larger the films, especially since the films have an adhesive effect, be it as a result of Adhesive forces (adhesive layer applied to the film) or magnetic forces (in the film located magnetic material, especially in the form of powders). Applications of foils of this type are time consuming and not positionally accurate. It is therefore known that desired acoustic and / or stiffening layer with the help of a spray gun spray on.

The placement or application of foils or sprayed layers on wall sections of vehicles or vehicle parts is done by hand. With modern production lines often ten or more people employed different, each delivered film to apply to the designated inner wall sections. In this phase it is Body still raw, that is, the body parts are welded together, theirs Surface is primed. So that the foils until they finally fuse with the stick to the respective sheet metal wall section on vertical surfaces or when installing overhead remain, they are provided with a layer of pressure sensitive adhesive on one side. Another One possibility is to use foils provided with ferro-magnetic additives temporarily stick to the sheet metal sections due to magnetic forces. After that in this How the foils are applied to the associated inner wall sections of the Bodyshell, it is painted.  

Several layers of paint are usually applied. Then the body passed through an oven in which the paint dries. Moreover the final melting of the foils takes place on them due to the heat effect respective wall sections. The full-surface support of the foils achieved on her The respective underlay is a necessary prerequisite for the sticking on the film desired effect is also reliably achieved.

A disadvantage of the known method for applying the films to their associated ones Sheet metal sections is that the formation of dust and especially lint is inevitable. These stick to the surface of the body-in-white, which is then painted becomes. The result is that the fluff caught in the lacquer layers becomes too uneven Lead paint surfaces. These have to be sanded, repainted and dried be reworked. Furthermore, the known method is due to the high cost relatively expensive in manual work.

The present invention has for its object a method for applying Foils on wall sections of vehicle bodies with the features of the generic term of To improve claim 1 such that, on the one hand, the risk of dust and lint is significantly reduced and that it is secondly with a lower Costs can be carried out.

According to the invention, this object is achieved by the characterizing features of Claims resolved.

The fact that the films are no longer applied by hand is an essential one Eliminates source of dust or fluff. Time and costly Reworking on lacquer surfaces is not necessary. Furthermore, the storage of the films on the associated inner wall sections take place much more precisely, so that especially the desired acoustic effects can be achieved more reliably. Finally is the use of the devices carrying out the storage of the films is cheaper in the long term.  

It is advantageous that the gripping frame for the foils is designed so that there are several Take films with different properties (size, structure, molded part, etc.) and in the body can put down. This offers the possibility with only one device successively all the foils required by a certain type of vehicle according to the invention to be able to muster. In this context, it is also appropriate if the required foils are placed in sets on the pallets fed to the assembly line.

However, depending on the customer's needs, a wide variety of gripping devices can The head part of the apparatus can be provided to hold all the foils of a specific vehicle type to be able to apply. If there is not enough space on the head part of the device, it is expedient to provide an intelligent tool changing system that accommodates everyone Auxiliary facilities enabled.

One of the tools can be a vacuum tool, as in the earlier patent application 198 12 402.3 is described. On the one hand, it allows the application of a film on a Underlay without having to exert any special forces on the underlay. Moreover can be easily stored overhead, so that the vacuum tool itself Particularly suitable for the application of foils on the inside of the roof.

Components of the gripping frame are appropriately carriers or frames, which in turn are the carry actual gripping elements. For films with a smooth outside are particularly suitable Vacuum cleaner with a vacuum connection. They are placed on the foils and are after the negative pressure generation is able to absorb this and during transport hold. The suction cups are released from the film by ventilating the suction cup interior.

In the case of foils filled with magnetic powder, magnets can be used as gripping elements. They are expediently designed as reversible electromagnets so that the loosening of the foils can be carried out by these gripping elements in a simple manner.

When processing the usual, essentially flat, films are the gripping elements also arranged in one plane on the carrier or frame of the gripping frame. At preformed foils, the associated frame with its gripping elements is expedient Adapted shape. Another option is to use a frame that is equipped with a pivotable section. This can be done when the film is picked up be adapted to their shape. There is also the possibility of pivoting  to use during the storage of the film to ensure a full-surface support put.

Further advantages and details of the invention will be explained on the basis of exemplary embodiments schematically illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 12. Show it

Fig. 1 shows a vehicle body, the dropping of the sheets serving apparatus and the terminus of one of the feeding of the films serving shuttle system, respectively in lateral view,

Fig. 2, the loading station of the shuttle system, and a portion of the rail connection to the terminal station,

Fig. 3a, b and c, the device according to Fig. 1 in a view parallel to the conveyor line,

Fig. 4 is a plan view of a pallet fitted with foils,

FIGS. 5 and 6 phases of a foil tray through the rear opening of the body shell,

FIGS. 7 and 8 stages of a foil tray through the windshield opening of the body shell,

FIGS. 9 and 10, the film applying by means of a vacuum tool,

Fig. 11a and b a modified gripping frame for moldings and

FIG. 12 applying a coating by spraying.

In the figures, the body-in-white is designated by 1, the apparatus used to deposit the films is designated by 2, and the end station of a film feed system 3 by 4. The body-in-white 1 is located on the assembly line or conveyor belt 5 . It temporarily stops when the foils are deposited. The apparatus 2 comprises a base part 7 , in which control and energy supply means are located. On the base part 7 , which in the illustrated embodiment is suspended above the assembly line 5 - expediently displaceable - a multi-section arm 8 is attached, the free end of which carries a head part 9 . The head part 9 in turn carries one or more gripping frames 11 , which are described in more detail below. The limbs of the arm 8 , head part 9 and gripping frame 11 can be moved and locked relative to one another. The gripping frames 11 in turn can also comprise actuators which allow rotation, pivoting, displacement or the like of one or more grippers attached to them.

FIG. 1 shows another apparatus 12 suspended above the assembly line 5 and similar to the apparatus 2 , the head part of which carries a camera 13 . With the help of the camera 13 , the interior of a body-in-white 1 can be measured with its storage locations for the films. The data (target data) obtained in this way serve to control the apparatus 2 used to deposit the foils. The arrangement of the camera 13 above the assembly line 5 allows further control and / or control steps. For example, the camera 13 can detect the position of a film 14 on the gripper and control the apparatus 2 as a function of the film position. If the camera is located behind the location of the storage of the films 14 (viewed in the direction of movement of the conveyor belt 5 ), there is the possibility of subsequently checking the positional accuracy of the storage of the films by measuring data recorded by the camera 13 after the films 14 have been stored Target data are compared. Corrective steps can then be initiated. Finally, the camera 13 can also be arranged on the head part 9 of the apparatus 2 and can control the depositing process directly from there.

Figs. 1 to 3 reveal the shuttle system 3, which serves to supply the films generally designated 14. It comprises the loading station 15 , which consists of an elongated rectangular frame 16 in which a rail track 17 ends at the bottom. The top of the frame 16 allows pallets 19 to be put down , for example by the stacker 20 , after actuation of locks. A transport carriage 22 with lifting tables 23 can be moved on the rail track 17 . These allow pallets placed on the top of the frame 16 to be removed after the locks have been released and lowered onto the trolley 22 . The pallets 19 are then transported to the end station 4 ( FIG. 1), which likewise comprises an elongated, rectangular frame 25 . With the help of the lifting tables 23 , full pallets 19 are placed on the top of the frame 25 and empty pallets 19 are removed. These are transported back to the loading station 15 . An advantage of the shuttle system 3 is that areas can be reached on the assembly lines that are not accessible for forklift traffic.

Fig. 4 shows a plan view of a pallet 19. It can be seen that it is loaded with foils 14 in sets. The foils 14 located on the pallet 19 have different sizes and - if different acoustic effects are to be achieved - also a different structure. With a corresponding design of the gripping frame 11 , several, for example two to five, of the foils can be removed from the pallet 19 and placed one after the other in the body-in-white 1 .

FIG. 3 shows that the gripping frame 11 comprises a carrier 30 which extends in the figure transversely to the central plane of the body 1 . It carries the frames 31 , 32 on the side and the frame 33 on the bottom. The frames 31 , 32 , 33 are equipped with gripping elements 34 which are used directly for gripping, holding and depositing foils 14 .

The solution shown in FIGS . 3a, 3b and 3c allows foils 14 to be deposited in the floor area and on the rear wheel arches of the body 1 . With the help of the gripping frame 11 , which is rotatably supported on the head part of the arm 8 , and the gripping elements 34 , the foils 14 provided for the floor and for the wheel arches are removed from the pallet 19 and through a rear opening (e.g. rear window opening). transported in the body 1 . After the carrier 30 has been lowered into the bottom region, the bottom-side film 14 is deposited. The frames 31 and 32 are arranged on the carrier so as to be displaceable in the lateral direction with the aid of drives 35 . Hydraulic cylinders, servomotors or similar actuators can be used as drives. To place the foils 14 on the wheel arches, the frames are shifted outwards until the foils 14 rest on the wheel arches (cf. representations 3 b and 3 c). The gripping elements 34 are then released . In another solution (not shown), the carrier 30 could be attached to the head part 9 so as to be laterally displaceable. After lowering the carrier 30 to the height of the wheel arches, the foils 14 are then deposited one after the other.

FIGS. 5 and 6 show the gripping frame 11, in which the gripping elements 37 are mounted 34 on two frames 36, which are moved in the center plane of the vehicle body 1. The planes of the frames 36 , 37 form an angle of approximately 90 °. With the help of the gripping frame 11 and the grippers 34 , films 14 of different sizes are picked up outside the body and transferred into the body 1 by means of the arm 8 . The film 14 received by the frame 36 is placed on the seat. Thereafter, after a corresponding rotation of the frame 11 about an axis perpendicular to the center plane of the body 1 , the film 14 received by the frame 37 is applied to the inside of the roof surface ( FIG. 6).

FIGS. 7 and 8 allow the storage of sheets 14 in the front bottom portion and on the end wall recognize and through the windscreen opening of the vehicle body 1. The sequence of the storage process corresponds to the storage process described with respect to FIGS. 5 and 6.

The design of a frame equipped with gripping elements 34 and suitable for the storage of foil molded parts 14 for the front wall of the vehicle will be discussed in connection with the exemplary embodiment described in FIG. 11.

In the solution shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, the film 14 necessary for the roof area, which has to be applied overhead, is deposited with the aid of a vacuum tool 41 . This vacuum tool 41 (cf. in particular the partial enlargements belonging to FIGS . 9 and 10) is a device for applying a film 14 to a component with a flexible membrane 43 enclosed by a closed frame 42 for holding the film 14 . The frame 42 has a circumferential, elastic seal 44 on its front side facing the component when the device is used. The space between the membrane 43 and the component can be evacuated by means of a vacuum connection, not shown. As a result, the film 14 lies against the component, in this case the inside of the roof.

With the aid of the vacuum tool 41 , which is fastened on the head part 9 in particular about an axis perpendicular to the central plane of the vehicle, the desired film 14 is received outside the vehicle body 1 and then transported through the windshield opening into the interior of the vehicle 1 . After the film 14 has been aligned in the direction of the storage location ( FIG. 9), the seal 44 is placed and the intermediate space is evacuated. This creates the film on the inside of the roof ( Fig. 10). The space between the membrane 43 and the inside of the roof is then ventilated so that the vacuum tool 41 can be removed.

Figs. 11a and 11b show a part of the frame 11, to which belongs a frame 46, the deformed of the application prior to their storage or to be deformed foils 14, for example aluminum sandwich foils for the vehicle end wall, is used. The frame 46 fastened to the head part 9 via the carrier 45 has a section 48 which can be pivoted about the axis 47 . The pivoting serves an actuating cylinder 49 which engages on the carrier 45 and on the pivotable section 48 . The frame 46 allows films 14 which have already been deformed to be gripped securely. In addition, the part of the film 14 which is in contact with the pivotable section 48 can be pressed separately onto its base in order to reliably achieve the desired full-surface contact.

The embodiment according to FIG. 12 relates to the application of coatings by spraying. A spray gun 51 is attached to the head part 9 of the apparatus 2 and is connected to a supply device 53 via a flexible line 52 . With the aid of the apparatus 2 , the spray gun 51 is, for example — as shown — introduced through a side window opening into the interior of the body 1 and aligned with the area to be coated. The operation of the spray gun 51 and - if necessary - its spraying movements are carried out automatically by the apparatus 2 . After the coating process has ended, the spray gun 51 is removed from the interior of the body 1 .

Claims (20)

1. Method for applying foils ( 14 ) to wall sections of a body-in-white ( 1 ) in the course of an assembly line production, in which foils ( 14 ) on pallets ( 19 ) are fed to the assembly line ( 5 ), the foils ( 14 ) from the pallets ( 19 ) are removed and placed in a self-adhesive manner on the wall sections and in which the body ( 1 ) after this step of provisionally depositing the films ( 14 ) is passed through an oven in which the actual application of the films ( 14 ) is carried out by the action of heat Melting onto their respective base takes place, characterized in that an apparatus ( 2 ) with a multi-unit arm () for removing the foils ( 14 ) from their pallet ( 19 ) and for depositing the foils ( 14 ) on the wall sections of the body ( 1 ). 8 ) and a gripping frame ( 11 ) movably supported thereon, by using one or more foils ( 14 ) outside the body ( 1 ) with the help of the gripping frame ( 11 ) are taken and then the film (s) together with the gripping frame ( 11 ) with the help of the arm ( 8 ), if necessary, is transported through an opening in the body ( 1 ) to the storage location and is stored there. 2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that a plurality of foils ( 14 ), preferably with different properties (size, structure, molded part or the like) are picked up by the gripping frame ( 11 ) and placed on the respective inner wall sections concerned. 3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the storage locations for the films ( 14 ) are measured in advance with the aid of a camera ( 13 ) and that with the aid of the recorded measurement data (target data) that of the recording, the transport and the storage the film ( 14 ) serving apparatus ( 2 ) is controlled. 4. The method according to claims 1, 2 or 3, characterized in that the position of the films ( 14 ) is checked after they have been deposited with the aid of a camera ( 13 ), by this camera after the films ( 14 ) have been deposited with the aid of another Apparatus ( 12 ) is introduced into the interior of the body ( 1 ), the position of the deposited foils ( 14 ) is measured there, and the measured data are then compared with the target data. 5. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the picking up and depositing of the foils ( 14 ) is carried out with the aid of gripping elements ( 34 ) arranged on the gripping frame ( 11 ), and in that the gripping elements ( 34 ) are suction pads, magnets or a vacuum tool ( 41 ) can be used. 6. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a shuttle system ( 3 ) is used for the supply of pallets ( 19 ) equipped with foils ( 14 ) and for the removal of empty pallets ( 19 ). 7. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the apparatus ( 2 ) serving for receiving and depositing the foils ( 14 ) is supplied in sets with pallets ( 19 ) equipped with foils ( 14 ). 8. The method according to claim 7, characterized in that a gripping frame ( 11 ) is used with which all the foils ( 14 ) of one or more pallets ( 19 ) loaded in sets and can be placed on the associated inner wall sections of the body ( 1 ) . 9. A method for applying coatings to wall sections of a body-in-white ( 1 ) in the course of an assembly line production, in which the coatings are sprayed onto the affected wall sections with a spray gun ( 51 ) and in which the body ( 1 ) is passed through an oven after this step is carried out in which melting of the coatings with their respective base is brought about by the action of heat, characterized in that an apparatus ( 2 ) with a multi-unit arm ( 8 ) and one thereon for transporting the spray gun and for controlling the spraying movements in front of the coating location movably supported head part ( 9 ) is used, on which the spray gun ( 51 ) is attached. 10. Device for performing a method according to one of the claims 1 to 9, characterized in that it consists of an apparatus ( 2 ) having a base part ( 7 ) with control and supply devices, a multi-unit arm ( 8 ) and a head part ( 9 ) for holding and guiding a gripping frame ( 11 ), a vacuum tool ( 41 ) or a spray gun ( 51 ). 11. The device according to claim 10, characterized in that components of the gripping frame ( 11 ) carrier ( 30 , 45 ) for one or more frames ( 31 , 32 , 33 , 36 , 37 , 46 , 47 ) with gripping elements ( 34 ). 12. The apparatus according to claim 11 or 12, characterized in that suction or magnets are provided as gripping elements ( 34 ). 13. The apparatus according to claim 11 or 12, characterized in that the frames ( 31 , 32 , 33 , 36 , 37 , 46 , 47 ) are in turn adjustable. 14. The apparatus according to claim 11, 12 or 13, characterized in that a frame ( 46 ) is equipped with a pivotable portion ( 47 ). 15. Device according to one of claims 11 to 14, characterized in that a plurality of frames ( 31 , 32 , 33 , 36 , 37 , 46 , 47 ) for foils ( 14 ) with different properties in terms of size, structure or shape o. Like. Components of the gripping frame ( 11 ). 16. The apparatus according to claim 10, characterized in that the vacuum tool ( 41 ) has a frame ( 42 ) bordered membrane ( 43 ), that the frame ( 42 ) on its when using the storage location of the films ( 14 ) facing tape with a circumferential seal ( 44 ) and that the space between the storage location and the membrane ( 43 ) can be connected to a vacuum source. 17. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a camera ( 13 ) is arranged on the head part ( 9 ) of the apparatus ( 2 ). 18. Device according to one of claims 10 to 16, characterized in that a further component is a second multi-member arm ( 12 ), the head part of which carries a camera ( 13 ). 19. Device according to one of claims 10 to 17, characterized in that the device for feeding the foils ( 14 ) serves as a shuttle system ( 3 ) with a loading station ( 15 ), an end station ( 4 ) and one of the stations ( 15 , 4 ) connecting rail track ( 17 ) are formed. 20. The apparatus according to claim 18, characterized in that the loading station ( 15 ) and the end station ( 4 ) each consist of an elongated rectangular frame ( 16 , 25 ) in which the rail track ( 17 ) ends in each case on the bottom, and that one on the rail track ( 17 ) movable transport carriage ( 22 ) is provided with at least one lifting table ( 23 ).